National Immunization Awareness Week - April 20-27, 2013

National Immunization Awareness Week takes place from April 20^th to 27^th and this year's theme is "Protect Yourself. Protect Others. Get Immunized."

Immunization has saved more lives in Canada than any other health intervention over the last 50 years. Where previous generations of Canadians were threatened by a range of serious illnesses, we now have easy access to vaccines to stop many diseases in their tracks.

Immunization has made many infectious diseases, like measles and meningitis, rare in Canada and has led many to think that they are no longer necessary. But experience from other countries shows us that when immunization rates drop, rates of vaccine-preventable diseases can rise and spread quickly among those who aren't protected against them.

Keeping immunizations up-to-date is a lifelong process that begins at birth and continues throughout our lifetime. We must continue our efforts and keep up the momentum to protect ourselves against vaccine-preventable diseases.

This awareness week, I encourage you to take a moment to review your own immunization status and that of your family.

There are many factors that affect immunization needs, including occupation, foreign travel, underlying illness and age. Children, adolescents and adults all have varying needs for immunization, so it's important to talk to your healthcare professional to learn which immunizations are recommended for you and your family.

Parents of young children, especially those younger than two years old, can download A Parent's Guide to Immunization. First Nations on-reserve and Inuit parents, caregivers and expectant parents may wish to refer to Health Canada's A Guide to Immunization for First Nations Parents and Caregivers or A Guide to Immunization for Inuit Parents and Caregiversfor information for children at birth to the age of two years. These free guides are also available by calling 1 800 O Canada (1-800-633-6232). They offer clear and easy to understand information about immunization to help parents make informed decisions about their children's health. Parents can also check their child's immunization schedule using our online tool.

Immunization is the safest and most effective way to protect yourself and your family from preventable diseases. Learn more about immunization at the Public Health Agency of Canada's National Immunization Awareness Week website.

Sincerely,

The Honourable Leona Aqlukkaq
Minister of Health